Hey, I Think I Figured Something Out... Magnetic Brakes

[Josh Smith]

So some of you have seen me bemoaning the reel I want to love, the Black Max 2.

 

You've seen me unable to get used to the magnetic brakes as I was raised on centri's.

 

I was playing with it the other day and it seemed to me that the magnetic brake works more toward the end of the cast, right where I don't need it.  I've never had problems with the end of the cast.  Dad always told me to thumb the spool so I didn't backlash, and I always have.

 

I broke out Grandpa's Bronson Fleetwing.  No freespool and no brakes on that one, just tension. 

 

The Ambassadeur 5000 brakes where I need it to, right at the beginning of the cast.  It's spoiled me.  I cast it and hover my thumb above the spinning spool.  If the line begins to feel loose, I lower my thumb a bit.  I seem to remember that taking some practice, but now I really enjoy feeling the line ride out.  Sometimes I'll intentionally aim so as to cast past a spot I want to fish and stop the spool dead so the lure drops into the water with a splash.  Heavy lures and spinners work well for this.  ("Oops!  Something died and is fluttering to the bottom!  I better eat it!")

 

I got to thinking about how I work the Fleetwing.  I work it similar to the Ambassadeur, but take into account its lack of brakes. 

 

I turned the Black Max's mag brakes OFF, adjusted the tension, and cast a few times. 

 

That thing felt just like Grandpa's Fleetwing, but was quieter.

 

Now I'm really not sure what I'm supposed to do with the breaks on that Black Max, though.  Like I said, I don't need them at the end of the cast.  They're a handicap there because I do everything with my thumb and always will.

 

What I need is something to save me from backlashes at the beginning of the cast for that split second it takes to get my thumb feeling the spool.

 

That means increase the tension.

 

From what I'm reading, there are reels out there that have both magnetic and centri brakes.  Why???  The baitcaster, I thought, was supposed to be controlled with the thumb.  It's looking like the dual braking systems are designed to take the place of thumb control.  Is this correct?

 

I'm 36.  Is that considered old among modern fishermen?  The equipment around today just seems foreign to everything I've learned to do, and always messes up when I try to make it work with the old techniques.

 

Thoughts, folks?

 

Thank you,

 

Josh

 

 

[TiNuts]

Yes, the dual braking systems are designed to minimize the need for thumb control. And you're correct, centrifugal brakes are for spool over speed at the beginning of the cast and magnetics are for the end of the cast, when you're lure stops at the water and your spool keeps going.

Most of my reels are mags only so I've learned to use my thumb at the beginning of the cast. Where the mags come in handy for me is slowing the spool down when it's dark and I can't see my lure hit the water and am slow to slam my thumb down.

[Smallmouth Hunter]

With most of the modern reels, thumb is not necessary... Spend a little more and get a used 50e or 200e and don't look back.

[FrankW]

Hi Josh,

I fish mag brakes and happy with them. Have some centrifugal reels but don't like them as well. No matter how good your brakes work if you are pitching/flipping or casting anything for accuracy you need your thumb at the end of the cast. It is the best way to get a soft entry into the water with a jig or T rigged bait.

Frank

[Catch and Grease]

With most of the modern reels, thumb is not necessary... Spend a little more and get a used 50e or 200e and don't look back.

Whuuut? I couldn't imagine casting my reels without my thumb....

[Raul]

Anybody is able of learning and master both braking systems, it´s a matter of will, the desire to do it and practicing.

[Josh Smith]

Anybody is able of learning and master both braking systems, it´s a matter of will, the desire to do it and practicing.

 

I agree, and I believe I'm getting it.

 

In fact, my 5600 has the Magtrax braking system, and I have no problems with that reel.  I just don't use it as much because it's a heavier setup than I usually need (but when I do need it, I NEED it!)

 

I still prefer centri brakes.  I've always let my thumb hover and braked that way.  I can see an advantage when casting into the wind, say, or when it's dark, as was mentioned.

 

Now I'm all curious about a dual braking system.  I'm a control freak to the point that I'd not want any brakes except a split second of centrifugals right after the casting swing, but having the magnetics could be interesting.  Not have to hurry the thumb braking when I hear the splash, which may not come with certain lures or if I'm fishing a suburban setting or whatever.

 

Thanks all,

Josh

[Kevin22]

Sounds like you are lob casting heavy baits. I never have the breaks turned on when catfishing and tossing heavier weights (1oz+).. just not needed. Tie on a medium crank such as a strike king series 3 and see how far you can cast it with no breaks, I will bet everything in my bank account that with a quality reel and good breaks you can gain at least 50% more over casting with no breaks.

 

With my lews I can cast all day without thumbing the spool, and get more distance than I need... Usually, unless im throwing into a head wind I will not use my thumb other than to hold the spool while switching hands in case I get a hit. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Brakes are just an aid in casting, not a replacement for thumb control and casting ability. There are so many other variables between reels, not to mention baits, lines, rods and conditions, the presence and style of braking is just one piece of how a setup casts. At the end of the day it boils down to pure preference.